HISTFEST 2026 TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
18-19 APRIL | BRITISH LIBRARY
HistFest is back! We’re thrilled to share details of HistFest 2026 at the British Library. From Ancient Greek naval commanders and Egyptian queens to the history of motherhood and LGBTQ+ social histories – this year, we bring you a raft of fascinating histories and speakers.
SATURDAY 18 APRIL
11AM: PHAROAHS & EMPRESSES: REWRITING THE STORIES OF CLEOPATRA AND ISABEL MOCTEZUMA
Can historical fiction reshape our understanding of the past? Join bestselling authors Saara El-Arifi and Sofía Robleda for a fascinating journey into the past through remarkable historical women. El-Arifi will discuss her novel Cleopatra, a vivid reimagining of an iconic ruler, while Robleda presents The Other Moctezuma Girls, which centres voices often left out of traditional histories. Together, they’ll explore how fiction can challenge dominant narratives and invite us to rethink history.
Praise for Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi:
“Enchanting, smart, and subversive – this is El-Arifi’s masterpiece” R. F. KUANG
Praise for The Other Moctezuma Girls by Sofia Robleda:
“Overflowing with suspense and heart-wrenching emotions, Robleda’s novel weaves a riveting drama that’s a love letter to the beauty and depth of Mexican history” LIANA DE LA ROSA
This event is kindly supported by Jules Verne Ltd
1PM: THEMISTOCLES – THE RISE AND FALL OF ATHENS’S NAVAL MASTERMIND
Themistocles was one of history’s great heroes, praised by Thucydides as one of the most illustrious Greeks of all time. An instrumental political and military figure, he played key roles in the Battle of Marathon, expanded the Athenian fleet, and led Athens to victory against the Persians at Salamis.
But who was the real man behind the myth? To celebrate his acclaimed biography Themistocles: The Rise and Fall of Athens’s Naval Mastermind, Michael Scott presents a special lecture exploring the real Themistocles – decisive and heroic, but also uncertain and unprepared. Both loved and hated in Athens, his ideas were as often ignored as they were respected.
Praise for Themistocles by Michael Scott:
“A fascinating and necessary biography” NATALIE HAYNES
This event is kindly supported by Jules Verne Ltd
3PM: THE LOST VOICES OF POMPEII: THE FINAL DAY IN SEVEN LIVES
We all know how the people of Pompeii died.
But what about how they lived?
Drawing on the latest archaeological discoveries, Dr Jess Venner brings the ancient streets to life through the eyes of those who lived, worked, loved and ultimately met their fate in Pompeii. Chaired by broadcaster and author Dr Raksha Dave, this event explores a more complex, diverse and human community than we ever imagined.
This event is kindly supported by Jules Verne Ltd
5PM: LIVING HISTORY WITH RUTH GOODMAN
We know what life was like for Henry VIII and Queen Victoria. But what was it like for a commoner – like you or me?
As the star of BBC series Victorian Farm, Edwardian Farm, and Tudor Monastery Farm, Ruth Goodman has captivated audiences with her hands-on approach to exploring the lives of everyday people throughout British history, revolutionizing the way we think about the past. In this special event, Ruth delves into the secrets, routines, and remarkable ingenuity of our ancestors, sharing personal anecdotes from her immersive television adventures and insights from her extensive research. Ruth will be in conversation with Dr Wanda Wyporska.
SUNDAY 19 APRIL
11AM: BIRTH, MOTHERHOOD & CUSTODY – AN UNTOLD HISTORY
Join Prof. Lara Feigel (Custody: The Secret History of Mothers) and Lucy Inglis (Born: The Untold History of Childbirth) for a compelling conversation on motherhood, power, and the hidden histories that shape women’s lives. Chaired by bestselling author and academic, Prof. Pragya Agarwal (Hysterical: Exploding the Myth of Gendered Emotions).
From how mothers have been judged, controlled, and separated from their children across history to the cultural, medical, and political forces that have shaped childbirth through the centuries. They’ll explore how these overlooked histories continue to influence contemporary debates around motherhood, autonomy, and care.
1PM: THE LOG BOOKS – VOICES OF QUEER BRITAIN & THE HELPLINE THAT LISTENED
In a crawlspace at the offices of Switchboard, a queer helpline in operation since 1974, lies dozens of log books kept by volunteers describing the phone calls they had taken: a teenager whose parents had kicked them out of home for dressing as the wrong gender; a lesbian terrified of having her baby taken away from her; a man arrested for chatting up another man in a public toilet; a young person wanting to know how to come out.
Join The Log Books authors Tash Walker and Adam Zmith to explore this precious archive of queer lives. Chaired by historian, Dan Vo.
Praise for The Log Books by Tash Walker and Adam Zmith:
“A fantastic journey through an overlooked archive bursting with humanity and real life on every page” DAN SNOW
3PM: THE BRONTE SISTERS
Interest in the Brontë sisters has never been more intense, with Emerald Fennell’s controversial new adaptation of Wuthering Heights and the announcement of a fresh adaptation of Jane Eyre bringing their work into the spotlight.
Join novelist Essie Fox, author of Catherine: A Retelling of Wuthering Heights, and scholar of Victorian literature, Dr Tara Puri, as they delve into the lives, imaginations, and enduring influence of the Brontë sisters. Chaired by broadcaster and public historian Greg Jenner, this lively discussion will explore the myths and realities surrounding Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, and why their stories continue to captivate readers and filmmakers alike.
Praise for Catherine by Essie Fox:
“A must-read for anyone who visits Heathcliff and Cathy’s Yorkshire Moors in their dreams” ERIN KELLY
This event is kindly supported by PLB Ltd
5PM: SIR MICHAEL PALIN: TRAVELS THROUGH TIME
Join Sir Michael Palin for a special evening exploring his extraordinary career on screen and on the page through the lens of history.
From his groundbreaking work with Monty Python’s Flying Circus to his acclaimed travel documentaries, Palin has spent decades bringing curiosity, wit and humanity to stories from around the world. Alongside his bestselling travel writing and diaries, he has also turned to biography and history, with books including Erebus: The Story of a Ship and Great-Uncle Harry: A Tale of War and Empire, blending meticulous research with his trademark storytelling voice.
In conversation with HistFest director Rebecca Rideal, he will reflect on how history has shaped his creative life, and how comedy, documentary, and historical writing alike can deepen our understanding of the past and present.
Tickets to HistFest 2026 are sold through the British Library.